“A gossip is one who talks to you about others; a bore is one who talks to you about himself; and a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself.” ~Lisa Kirk
Any questions?
Brian Clark
Brian Clark is the founder of Copyblogger, the midlife personal growth newsletter Further, Unemployable, an educational community that provides smart strategies for freelancers and solopreneurs, and Creative Affiliate, affiliate marketing advice for creators.
Reader Comments (23)
Can I be a boring yet brilliant conversationalist? Or do I have to invent a new class of my own?
That reminds me of another quote:
“Diplomacy: The art of letting the other person have your way.”
🙂
What if you’re boring? What if there’s an arcade across the street and I want to play Mortal Kombat instead?
The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is.
— Mary Pettibone Poole
I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
😀
Vijayendra, I plan to steal both of those quotes for an upcoming post. 🙂
This blog is always fantastic, as are the comments posted here.
I came here, planning to tell Brian that he wins teh internets.
But then upon seeing the quick quips of the ironic Vijayendra I’ve decided that he wins instead.
Brian, you are going to have to ‘steal’ quickly, because I am after them too!
The point about gossip is an important one on social media and in the professional work place. “I’m just sharing because I care.” is one of the most dangerous leading statements we will ever hear.
I came here thinking I received only the teaser in the feed. Vijayendra’s comment delighted me.
Wait, what does this have to do with ME?
“Any questions?”
Just one. How are you doing? 🙂
I”m doing fine, Bill. Thank you for asking (about me). 🙂
Hmmmm…I don’t know. She says “gossip” like it’s a bad word. Maybe we like to pretend it is so we don’t feel guilty, but gossip is a HUGE seller.
And regarding talking about yourself. If you can tell a story about yourself that helps people relate to you or gain some insight they’ve been craving – I’d say that’s a pretty darned powerful thing.
Maybe Ms. Kirk just likes to hear other people talk about herself. 🙂
I’ve got a question:
How do I stop my writing from being so freakin’ boring?
Oh, and another one:
How do I write posts only a few lines long, and get three Stumble reviews? 🙂
No questions, only complete agreement. Pithy and irrefutable, good post!
“Instead of pretending to be intelligent by quoting someone famous, instead I’m just going to quote myself” – Mark Lancaster, 2007
And yet why is it that it frequently seems like we are all just talking to ourselves on Twitter?
Best social media post ever.
So in your opinion who is the best out there at this?
Unless of course you’re as clever as Brian and can write about yourself yet make it compelling.
It’s an odd balance, promoting oneself. You have to draw people in, give them what they want, let them talk about themselves, but at the same time you have to be genuine, contribute what you have to contribute, and be your own biggest fan.
Haven’t figured it out quite yet.
Peace.
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